Eggs Benedict Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Brunch Favorite
Eggs Benedict Casserole is a delightful dish that brings the beloved flavors of traditional Eggs Benedict into a convenient and shareable format. Imagine waking up to a warm, savory casserole that combines perfectly poached eggs, rich hollandaise sauce, and crispy Canadian bacon, all nestled within layers of buttery bread. This dish not only satisfies your taste buds but also makes for an impressive centerpiece at any brunch gathering.
The origins of Eggs Benedict are somewhat murky, with various stories attributing its creation to different New York City restaurants in the late 19th century. Regardless of its beginnings, this dish has become a staple in brunch menus across the globe, loved for its luxurious taste and comforting texture. What makes Eggs Benedict Casserole particularly appealing is its convenience; you can prepare it ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy quality time with your guests without the stress of last-minute cooking.
People adore this casserole for its creamy hollandaise sauce that envelops the fluffy eggs and savory bacon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The crispy edges and soft interior make every bite a delightful experience. Whether you’re hosting a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a cozy weekend brunch, Eggs Benedict Casserole is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients:
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cooked Canadian bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
- 1 cup hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Preparing the Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the casserole cooks evenly and thoroughly.
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs. Whisk them together until they are well combined.
- Add the 2 cups of milk to the eggs. Then, mix in the 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and if you like a bit of heat, the 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- In a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spread the 1 loaf of cubed French bread evenly across the bottom. This will serve as the base of your casserole.
- Sprinkle the 1 cup of chopped Canadian bacon evenly over the bread cubes. This adds a savory flavor that complements the eggs beautifully.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and bacon, ensuring that all the bread is soaked. Use a spatula to gently press down any bread pieces that are floating on top.
- Sprinkle the 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a delicious cheesy crust as it bakes.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil. This will help the casserole cook evenly and prevent it from drying out.
Baking the Casserole
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. This initial baking time allows the casserole to set.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil. This will allow the top to brown and become crispy.
- Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the casserole is puffed and golden brown on top. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out clean.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This resting time will make it easier to cut and serve.
Preparing the Hollandaise Sauce
- If you are using store-bought hollandaise sauce, simply heat it according to the package instructions. If you prefer to make it from scratch, here’s a quick recipe:
- In a heatproof bowl, whisk together 3 large egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt.
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method) and whisk continuously until the mixture thickens and doubles in volume.
- Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter while whisking constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Assembling and Serving
- Once the casserole has cooled slightly, cut it into squares and serve on individual plates.
- Drizzle a generous amount of hollandaise sauce over each serving. This rich sauce is what makes Eggs Benedict so special!
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives for a pop of color and added flavor.
- Enjoy your delicious Eggs Benedict Casserole with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad for a complete meal!
Tips for Success
- For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the Canadian bacon with sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- Feel free to experiment
Conclusion:
If you’re looking for a breakfast or brunch dish that’s both indulgent and easy to prepare, this Eggs Benedict Casserole is an absolute must-try! It combines all the classic flavors of the beloved Eggs Benedict into a convenient casserole form, making it perfect for serving a crowd or enjoying as a cozy family meal. The creamy hollandaise sauce, perfectly poached eggs, and savory Canadian bacon come together in a delightful harmony that will leave your taste buds singing.
One of the best things about this casserole is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a vegetarian twist, consider swapping out the Canadian bacon for sautéed spinach or mushrooms. If you’re a fan of spice, adding a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the flavor profile. You can also experiment with different types of bread; while English muffins are traditional, using croissants or sourdough can add a unique touch to your dish.
When it comes to serving suggestions, this Eggs Benedict Casserole pairs beautifully with fresh fruit, a light salad, or even crispy hash browns for a heartier meal. For a festive touch, consider garnishing with fresh herbs like chives or parsley, which not only enhance the presentation but also add a burst of freshness.
I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the joy of a classic breakfast favorite in a new and exciting way. Whether you’re hosting a brunch gathering or simply treating yourself to a special breakfast, this casserole is sure to impress. Don’t forget to share your experience with friends and family! I’d love to hear how your version turned out and any creative twists you added.
So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive into the deliciousness of this Eggs Benedict Casserole. Trust me, once you take that first bite, you’ll be hooked! Happy cooking!
Eggs Benedict Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Breakfast Dish
This Eggs Benedict Casserole offers a delicious twist on a brunch classic, featuring layers of fluffy bread, savory Canadian bacon, and rich cheddar cheese, all drizzled with creamy hollandaise sauce. It's an easy-to-make dish perfect for serving a crowd, guaranteed to impress your guests!
Ingredients
- 8 large eggs
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 loaf of French bread, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cooked Canadian bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh chives (for garnish)
- 1 cup hollandaise sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, crack the 8 large eggs and whisk until well combined.
- Add the 2 cups of milk, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if using). Whisk until smooth.
- Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and spread the cubed French bread evenly across the bottom.
- Sprinkle the chopped Canadian bacon over the bread cubes.
- Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and bacon, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Press down any floating pieces gently with a spatula.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil.
- Place the covered baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
- After 30 minutes, carefully remove the foil to allow the top to brown.
- Continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until puffed and golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before cutting.
- For store-bought hollandaise, heat according to package instructions. For homemade, whisk together 3 large egg yolks, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a heatproof bowl.
- Place the bowl over a pot of simmering water and whisk continuously until thickened and doubled in volume.
- Slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter while whisking until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Cut the casserole into squares and serve on individual plates.
- Drizzle hollandaise sauce over each serving.
- Garnish with chopped fresh chives.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad!
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, substitute Canadian bacon with sautéed spinach or mushrooms.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or add vegetables for extra flavor.
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